The IBR team offered no updated budget estimate and reported that it is still awaiting a U.S. Coast Guard decision on bridge clearance
Members of the Washington-Oregon Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program legislative oversight committee met Monday for their second meeting of the year, but did not receive key details on cost and design decisions.
The IBR team offered no updated budget estimate and reported that it is still awaiting a U.S. Coast Guard decision on bridge clearance. They told legislators that cost estimates will not be finalized until after major design decisions are made, and that a movable-span bridge is expected to take longer to price than a fixed-span bridge. After the meeting, Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, who represents the 18th Legislative District, issued the following statement:
“I was very disappointed we did not receive an updated cost estimate for the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. Both states are facing tight transportation budgets and difficult choices in upcoming legislative sessions. We were promised updated costs at our September meeting, but none were provided today.
“The project, currently estimated at $7.5 billion with $2 billion dedicated to transit, is already behind schedule. With costs rising, we need to discuss ways to scale the project to fit available funding.
“Legislators from both states were frustrated by the committee’s inability to decide on key issues, including whether the bridge will include one or two auxiliary lanes, which has significant implications for the trucking industry. Concerns about light rail and TriMet’s financial situation were also discussed.
“The lack of cost data is especially troubling as Oregon has asked agencies to plan for 5-10 percent budget cuts, yet legislators still lack the information needed to evaluate this project.
“We were told cost estimates must wait until the Coast Guard decides between a 116-foot fixed span or a movable span providing 178 feet of clearance. The Coast Guard indicated more than two years ago that 116 feet was insufficient. A movable span would add at least $500 million, according to staff. Leaving this decision to the Coast Guard in an apparent attempt to justify higher costs is not good governance and fails to address public concerns.”
The Washington state Legislature begins its 60-day session on Monday, Jan. 12.
Information provided by the Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes. - C-TRAN board increases salary for CEO Leann Caver
C-TRAN CEO Leann Caver received a 2.5 percent raise as the board recognized her leadership and celebrated rising ridership numbers after years of recovery. - Clark County March storm response information and closures
Clark County Public Works is responding to reports of flooded roads and parks, with closures and safety advisories in effect as heavy rains impact the region. - C-TRAN: Light rail funding addressed again; changes are coming to C-TRAN board composition
C-TRAN approved new language tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program that shields smaller cities from light rail operating costs while shifting potential financial responsibility toward Vancouver and the urban growth area. - City of Washougal advances overcrossing design for 32nd St Rail Crossing Project
Washougal officials have selected an overcrossing design for the 32nd Street Rail Crossing Project, aiming to improve safety and reduce traffic delays caused by frequent train blockages.
wpDiscuz
